and the deficit, is what we are already owe, what we owe. i don't know. >> they will talk about the fiscal cliff. do you know what that actually is? >> i do not of the have no include about that. >> i am from washington and have no clue. >> reporter: what about medicare and medicaid? >> my parents do my health insurance. i know about abortion and gay marriage. >> less about details and policy but more what the kind of person a presidential candidate is. >> reporter: he says debates are often about impressions, not words. they remember gore's sighing and awkward body language and impatient george bush checking his watch. >> who am i? why am i here. >> reporter: and one-liners. >> jack kennedy was a friend of mind. senator, you're no jack kennedy. >> i'm not going to exploit for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience [laughing] >> people translated statements and gestures into insight into a candidate's character. it's all about character. >> reporter: now it is not that voters value style over substance but remember some of